Société Jean-Philippe Rameau

Jean-Philippe Rameau (Dijon, 1683 – Paris, 1764), a contemporary of Bach and Handel, is regarded as one of the most prominent figures of the Baroque era. As a theorist and scholar of international importance, as well as a brilliant composer, he left an extensive and impressive output, parts of which have still not yet been published.

In the editorial project currently being undertaken, directed by Sylvie Bouissou, Rameau’s musical output will be presented in its entirety for the first time. The five series of the Complete Edition contain Instrumental Music (3 volumes), Sacred and Secular Vocal Music (1 volume each), Dramatic Music (31 volumes) and Fragments (2 volumes). The edition serves the needs of both scholars and performers. Each title comprises three parts: a cloth-bound hardback conductor’s score containing the critical edition of the musical work and full musicological commentaries; performance material (instrumental parts) which is available on hire; and a paperback vocal score for the operas. Of the dramatic works, which are at the centre of Rameau’s output, several major pieces, such as Platée, Dardanus and Hippolyte et Aricie have already been published, whereas works such as Anacréon, Zaïs, Naïs and Les Fêtes de l’Hymen et de l’Amour are still awaiting rediscovery. 2014 marks the 250th anniversary of the composer’s death and is an important milestone both for the continuation of the scholarly edition, as well as for the overall reception of Jean-Philippe Rameau as a musician and scholar of monumental importance.